Parachute games for kids are an exciting way to blend movement, teamwork, and joyful group play. With just a colorful parachute and a little imagination, children can explore activities that build coordination, cooperation, and confidence. Whether you’re planning a PE class, a school event, or a fun outdoor session, these parachute games offer endless opportunities for learning, laughter, and active engagement.
20+ parachute games for kids
Discover playful parachute games for kids that encourage movement, teamwork, and joy through active, cooperative group activities.
1. Waves
Kids work together to create gentle or strong waves by shaking the parachute. This activity helps develop coordination and rhythm.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Shake the parachute lightly to make small waves.
- Increase speed to create big, rolling waves across the surface.
2. Popcorn
Small balls bounce wildly as kids shake the parachute, creating a fun “popcorn” effect. This high-energy activity always brings laughter and encourages active participation.
Materials needed:
- Parachute
- Small balls or beanbags
Instructions:
- Place balls in the center of the parachute.
- Shake quickly to make the “popcorn” jump and bounce around.
3. Cat and mouse
One child scurries underneath as the “mouse” while another tries to track them from above as the “cat.” The group keeps the parachute moving, adding suspense and excitement.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Choose one mouse to crawl under the parachute.
- Choose one cat to crawl on top and follow the mouse’s movement.
- Rotate roles after each round.
4. Shark attack
A hidden “shark” under the parachute gently pulls players in as they walk around the edge. Kids squeal with anticipation, making it one of the most thrilling parachute games.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- One child crawls under the parachute as the shark.
- Players walk around the edge holding the parachute.
- If the shark grabs an ankle, that player becomes the next shark.
5. Ball roll race
Children tilt the parachute together to guide a ball around the circle without dropping it. The challenge builds teamwork, communication, and steady group control.
Materials needed: Parachute; Medium-sized ball
Instructions:
- Tilt the parachute slowly to guide the ball around the circle.
- Challenge kids to make a full lap without dropping it.
6. Parachute switch
Kids listen for their names, then dash under the parachute to swap places before it falls. This fast-paced game boosts reaction time and keeps everyone alert.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Lift the parachute high.
- Call out two children’s names.
- They must run under the parachute and switch places before it drops.
7. Run under the bridge
Kids lift the parachute high, then sprint underneath to the other side before it drops. This energetic activity builds speed, confidence, and spatial awareness.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Lift the parachute high.
- Call “Run!” and kids race under it to the opposite side.
8. Rollerball circle
A ball is placed on the parachute’s edge, and the group works together to rotate it in a full circle. It’s a cooperative challenge that requires steady movement and careful coordination.
Materials needed: Parachute; Large lightweight ball
Instructions:
- Place a ball on the parachute edge.
- Work as a team to rotate the parachute and make the ball travel around the rim.
9. Treasure hunt under the sea
Objects are hidden under the parachute, and children crawl beneath to find them. The game sparks imagination and adventure while encouraging problem-solving.
Materials needed: Parachute; Small objects (“treasures”)
Instructions:
- Hide small items under the parachute.
- Lift it, then send kids under to find and bring out treasure.
10. Parachute volleyball
Using the parachute to launch a ball back and forth, teams try to keep it off the ground. It adds a cooperative twist to volleyball and keeps everyone engaged.
Materials needed:
- Parachute
- Large soft ball
Instructions:
- Split children into two groups holding opposite sides.
- Use the parachute to bounce or toss the ball to the other team.
11. Parachute maze
Children place small balls or toys on top of the parachute, then work together to guide them through a maze created on the ground. By lifting and lowering different parts of the parachute, the group must steer the objects along the path without letting them fall. This activity strengthens teamwork, coordination, and problem-solving as kids communicate and plan each move.
Materials needed:
- Parachute
- Small balls or lightweight objects
- Ropes, cones, or tape to create a maze on the ground
Instructions:
- Have children hold the edges of the parachute and place 1–2 small balls in the center.
- Set up a maze on the ground using ropes, cones, or tape.
- Children lift or lower their side of the parachute to carefully guide the balls through the maze.
- Try to reach the end of the maze without letting the balls fall off.
12. Weather station
Children use the parachute to act out different types of weather. As the leader calls out “windy,” “rainy,” or “stormy,” kids move the parachute to match each condition, helping them connect weather concepts with fun physical movement.
Materials needed:
- Parachute
- Weather cue cards or verbal prompts (optional)
Instructions:
- Have children stand around the parachute, each holding an edge.
- Call out a weather condition (e.g., “rainy,” “windy,” “stormy”).
- Children move the parachute to match the weather: shake for rain, wave gently for breeze, lift fast for strong wind.
- Change weather conditions to keep the activity fun and engaging.
13. Windstorm
Kids shake the parachute with increasing intensity to mimic changing wind, starting with a light breeze and building up to a wild storm. This activity helps develop coordination and group control.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Begin with gentle shakes.
- Gradually increase speed until the group creates a “storm.”
14. Turtle crawl
Children crouch underneath the parachute while holding the edges and move together like a slow, giant turtle. This encourages teamwork and body coordination.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Have kids kneel under the parachute and grab the edge.
- Move slowly together in one direction.
15. Airplane run
Kids pretend the parachute is a runway and run underneath it when the leader calls “Take off!” This fast-paced game builds listening skills and agility.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Lift parachute high.
- Call “Take off!” and kids run underneath to the other side.
16. Freeze waves
Children shake the parachute to make waves until the leader says “Freeze!” Then everyone must stop instantly. This adds fun while reinforcing impulse control.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Shake the parachute to create waves.
- Stop immediately when “Freeze!” is called.
17. Parachute jumpers
Lightweight toys or beanbags are placed on top of the parachute, and kids bounce them upward with controlled lifts. They try to keep all items in the air without letting them fall.
Materials needed: Parachute; Small toys or beanbags
Instructions:
- Place items at the center.
- Lift and bounce the parachute together to send them upward.
18. Shadow walk
Kids walk around the parachute while their shadows move on the surface. They listen for commands like “fast,” “slow,” or “reverse” to change pace and direction.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Walk in a circle around the parachute.
- Change speed and direction based on the leader’s cues.
19. Parachute golf
Kids work as a team to shake the parachute and guide a ball into the center hole. This challenges their aim and requires synchronized movements to control the ball’s path.
Materials needed:
- Parachute (with a center vent)
- Small plastic balls or tennis balls
Instructions:
- Place a ball near the edge of the parachute.
- Work together to wave the parachute to roll the ball into the center hole.
- Count how many “holes in one” the group can get.
20. Shoe shuffle
One shoe from each child is tossed into the center and mixed up with vigorous shaking. On the signal, kids race underneath to find their matching shoe and return to their spot.
Materials needed:
- Parachute
- One shoe from each participant
Instructions:
- Have everyone remove one shoe and toss it into the middle of the parachute.
- Shake the parachute to shuffle the shoes around.
- Call “Go!” and kids run underneath to retrieve their shoe and return to their spot.
21. Blooming flower
Starting from a crouching position, the group rises slowly to lift the parachute, mimicking a flower opening up. It is a quiet, visual activity that encourages gentle movement and control.
Materials needed: Parachute
Instructions:
- Everyone kneels on the ground holding the parachute edge down.
- On the count of three, stand up slowly and lift the parachute high overhead.
- Lower it gently back down to the ground to complete the “bloom.”
22. Parachute volcano
Kids place lightweight balls or foam pieces in the center of the parachute and work together to create a sudden “eruption.” With a quick lift and shake, the balls burst upward like a volcano exploding.
Materials needed: Parachute; Lightweight balls or foam pieces
Instructions:
- Place balls in the center of the parachute.
- Lift and shake together to create an erupting volcano effect.
Conclusion
Parachute games bring children together through movement, laughter, and teamwork. Whether you’re planning a PE class, a backyard play session, or a classroom activity, these parachute games for kids offer endless ways to build coordination, communication, and confidence. With just one colorful parachute, you can create unforgettable moments and active learning experiences for every child.
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